St. Louis Cathedral

A church on Jackson Square

St. Louis Cathedral faces Jackson Square, the French Quarter plaza once known as Place d’Armes. The square was laid out as a civic gathering place, with the church, the priests’ residence and the town hall arranged around it. Today, the cathedral stands between the Cabildo and the Presbytère, with the Pontalba Buildings along the square’s other sides.

The cathedral is dedicated to Louis IX, the French king who was later made a saint. Its name connects the church to New Orleans’s French beginnings, while the buildings around the square also reflect the city’s Spanish colonial period. The plaza is a public space as well as a historic setting: artists display work along its iron fence, and street musicians perform nearby.

Three churches on one site

The present cathedral is not the first church to occupy this spot. Three church buildings have stood here over the centuries. An early church was damaged by a hurricane, and a later structure was badly affected by the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788. The building that followed was subsequently remodeled and enlarged in the 19th century.

The cathedral has been described as a blend of French and Spanish Colonial influences, with later French Gothic Revival elements also associated with its appearance. Its white exterior and three spires are visible across Jackson Square. Inside, stained-glass windows and murals painted across the ceiling bring colour to the sanctuary. The artworks include depictions of Jesus and his disciples, while the windows include images of St. Louis.

A quiet visit inside

The cathedral remains an active Catholic place of worship, so visitors should be prepared to share the space with people attending services. Independent exploration is possible when the building is open to visitors. A guided tour is another option; check the cathedral’s website for current details before planning around one.

Inside, visitors can pause to view the religious art and other sacred objects, including a copy of an illuminated Bible. Candles are available for remembrance. A small shop is also mentioned at the entrance. Keep voices low and follow any directions given during services or other church activities.

Jackson Square makes it easy to continue exploring on foot. The Cabildo and the Presbytère stand beside the cathedral, and the Pontalba Buildings face the plaza. Artists, musicians and other vendors bring activity to the square, creating a clear contrast with the calm of the cathedral interior.